Shoppers, locals and festivalgoers are already circling July , Worthing Pride returns with big-name pop, club beats and drag spectacle on the seafront, promising thousands of visitors, affordable tickets and crucial fundraising for trans+ adults. Here’s what to expect and why it’s more than a party.

Essential Takeaways

  • Headline acts confirmed: Una Healy (The Saturdays), DJ Sammy and Phats and Small bring pop and dance energy to Steyne Gardens.
  • Drag and queer performance: Drag Race winner Bones, Black Peppa and homoparody and Bolly Queer troops add theatrical flair and camp.
  • Dance‑floor focus on Sunday: Sets from Love Inc., Rozalla and queer club brands BeefMince, UOK HUN and Polyglamours keep the party going.
  • Charity fundraising: The festival supports Not A Phase, which works with trans+ adults across the UK.
  • Accessible pricing: Day tickets start from around £10, with events running across the weekend.

Who’s headlining and why the mix matters

The organisers have picked a crowd‑pleasing blend of mainstream pop, classic dance and electronic acts to lure a wide audience to Worthing’s seafront. Una Healy brings a polished pop voice familiar to a broad TV and radio audience, while DJ Sammy and Phats and Small promise hands‑in‑the‑air dance moments that suit the outdoor, sun‑soaked vibe. That mix keeps family and club crowds happy, and it’s smart programming for a seaside Pride aiming to be welcoming and fun.

Worthing Pride’s line‑up also signals inclusivity by balancing chart names with queer‑scene favourites, which helps the event feel both celebratory and rooted in LGBTQ+ club culture. If you like a singalong one minute and a classic club anthem the next, this weekend’s schedule has been tuned for that.

Drag, theatre and local performance , the joyful, visual centrepiece

Drag is a headline feature, with Bones , the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race season 7 , joining a roster that includes Brighton favourites like Black Peppa and local acts offering parody and dance. Visual theatre and comedic drag provide the festival’s most photogenic moments, and they’re often where community stories and identity get the loudest, proudest expression.

Producers have also invited themed dance troupes such as Homoparody and Bolly Queer, which bring diverse cultural threads to the stage. For visitors, this means plenty of colour, choreography and those cheeky, unforgettable routines that make Pride feel like a communal carnival.

Sunday’s club focus: why queer club brands matter

Sunday leans into club culture, with legendary dance names such as Love Inc. and Rozalla joining sets by queer club brands BeefMince, UOK HUN and Polyglamours. These are the DJs and collectives who create safe, celebratory spaces for queer communities , expect energetic mixes, inclusive crowd vibes and a night‑out atmosphere on the green.

For anyone choosing which day to attend, pick Sunday if you want a clubby, late‑night feel. If you’re after headline pop and drag theatre, Saturday offers a more mixed programme. Either way, soundlevels and staging are built for atmosphere rather than intimate talks, so go prepared for loud, communal celebration.

Fundraising for Not A Phase , what the charity does and why it matters

Worthing Pride is raising funds for Not A Phase, a charity that offers support to trans+ adults across the UK. According to the charity’s information, their work focuses on community, wellbeing and practical support for people navigating transition and social services. That makes ticket purchases and on‑site donations more than symbolic: they funnel into local and national support networks many attendees rely on.

Organisers have been explicit that this year’s festival aims to be both fun and impactful, with Harrii, community lead at Worthing Pride, saying the money raised will provide vital resources for trans people. It’s a reminder that Pride often mixes party with purpose: you can dance, then feel good about helping fund essential services.

Practical tips for attending and what to expect on the day

Tickets are purposely affordable, with day options from about £10, keeping the weekend accessible to students, families and anyone on a budget. The festival runs in Steyne Gardens , a central, grassy area close to Worthing’s seafront , so expect a promenade feel, sandy breezes and space for picnics between sets.

Bring layers (coastal weather can shift quickly), comfy shoes for both standing and dancing, and a small portable charger if you want to capture the drag looks or DJ sets. If accessibility matters, check the official Worthing Pride site for details on viewing platforms, assistance and quiet zones. Finally, plan arrival times if you’re aiming for specific headline sets; popular acts will draw crowds early.

It's a small change to your weekend that can make every performance and donation count.

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